Options trading offers powerful tools for managing risk and capitalizing on market movements—whether you're anticipating price increases or declines. On platforms like OKX, users can access sophisticated yet user-friendly options markets based on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This guide walks you through the full process of trading options on OKX via both mobile app and web interface, with clear steps, essential terminology, and practical tips.
Whether you're new to derivatives or an experienced trader, understanding how call options, put options, exercise rights, and account settings work is crucial for success.
Understanding Options: The Basics
An option is a financial contract that gives the buyer the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price by a specific date. For sellers (writers), it represents an obligation if the buyer chooses to exercise the option.
There are two main types:
- Call Option: Profit when the price of the asset rises.
- Put Option: Profit when the price of the asset falls.
On OKX, these are European-style options, meaning they can only be exercised at expiration time (16:00 HKT on the expiry date). However, traders can close their positions anytime before expiry through offsetting trades.
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Core Keywords for Crypto Options Traders
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- Crypto options trading
- Buy call options
- Sell put options
- Bitcoin options
- OKX options tutorial
- European-style options
- Options expiration
- Derivatives trading platform
These terms reflect what users actively search for when exploring cryptocurrency derivatives.
Step-by-Step: How to Trade Options on OKX
Trading options on OKX involves three primary stages: funding your account, configuring settings, and executing buy/sell orders. Below is a detailed walkthrough for both APP and Web versions.
Step 1: Transfer Funds to Your Trading Account
Before placing any option trade, ensure funds are available in your derivatives trading account.
Mobile App:
- Open the OKX app.
- Go to Assets > Fund Transfer.
- Select the desired cryptocurrency (e.g., USDT).
- Transfer from Funding Account to Trading Account.
- Enter amount and confirm.
Web Platform:
- Log in to OKX.com.
- Click Trade > Derivatives.
- Navigate to Assets > Transfer.
- Choose coin (e.g., BTC), select source and destination accounts.
- Input amount and click Confirm.
💡 Tip: Always verify your transfer destination—options trading requires funds in the “Trading Account”.
Step 2: Configure Account Settings
Proper setup ensures smooth trading execution.
- In the trading interface, tap the settings icon (top-right).
- Set Account Mode: Choose between isolated or cross-margin modes based on risk preference.
- Select Trading Unit: Options can be traded per "contract" or per "coin".
- Choose Pricing Unit: Display prices in coin value or local currency.
This configuration affects how positions are calculated and managed—take time to understand each option.
Step 3: Executing Call and Put Trades
Buying a Call Option (Bullish Outlook)
When you expect BTC or ETH prices to rise:
- Go to Trade > Select BTC/USDT pair.
- Switch mode to Options.
- Choose Professional Mode or use Simple Mode for beginners.
- Select Call (C) contracts under your preferred expiration date.
- Pick a strike price aligned with your forecast.
- Set order type: Use Limit Order for price control.
- Enter price and quantity, then click Buy.
For novice users, try BTC Simple Options, which simplifies selection with pre-set strike levels and maturities.
Selling a Put Option (Bullish or Neutral Outlook)
Selling puts generates premium income when you believe the market won’t drop below a certain level:
- Navigate to Options section.
- Select Put (P) contracts.
- Choose expiry and strike price.
- Click Sell after setting margin mode and order parameters.
⚠️ Note: Selling options carries higher risk than buying, as potential losses may exceed premiums received.
Managing Open Positions
After opening a position, monitor and manage it effectively.
Closing a Position (Take Profit or Cut Loss)
- Go to Positions tab.
- Find the open contract.
- Click Close or use Market Close All for instant exit.
Checking Active Orders
- Tap Open Orders below the trading panel.
- View pending limit orders.
- Use Cancel to remove unwanted entries.
Monitoring Portfolio Performance
Once filled, your position appears in the Positions list showing:
- Entry price
- Current PnL
- Margin used
- Estimated return rate
👉 Maximize your trading efficiency with real-time portfolio tracking tools.
Key Features of OKX Options
- ✅ Supports BTC and ETH as underlying assets
- ✅ Eight expiry cycles: same day, next day, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, and next quarter
- ✅ European-style exercise at 16:00 HKT on expiry date
- ✅ Automatic exercise for in-the-money contracts; out-of-the-money ones expire worthless
- ✅ Flexible modes: Simple, Professional (T-grid), and mobile-optimized UI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens when my option expires?
If your call or put option is profitable at expiry (in-the-money), it will be automatically exercised at 16:00 HKT. Unprofitable (out-of-the-money) options simply expire with no action required.
Q2: Can I close my option position before expiry?
Yes. You can exit your position at any time before expiration by placing an offsetting trade—this allows you to lock in profits or minimize losses early.
Q3: What’s the difference between buying and selling options?
Buying gives you rights (limited risk); selling obligates you (higher risk). Buyers pay a premium; sellers collect it.
Q4: Are OKX options American or European style?
OKX offers European-style options, exercisable only at expiry—not before.
Q5: How do I choose the right strike price?
Consider technical analysis, support/resistance levels, and volatility expectations. Beginners should start with at-the-money (ATM) options for balanced risk-reward.
Q6: Is there a mobile app for options trading?
Yes. The OKX mobile app supports full options functionality including real-time pricing, order placement, and portfolio management.
Final Tips for Successful Options Trading
- Start small and learn using demo accounts if available.
- Understand implied volatility—it impacts option premiums significantly.
- Diversify strategies: combine calls, puts, spreads, and hedging techniques.
- Always set stop-loss equivalents via timely exits.
- Stay updated on macroeconomic events affecting crypto markets.
👉 Unlock advanced tools and real-time analytics to refine your strategy now.
By mastering the mechanics of crypto options trading on OKX, you gain flexibility to profit in rising, falling, or sideways markets. With intuitive interfaces across devices and robust risk management features, both beginners and pros can find value in this dynamic market.
Remember: Knowledge reduces risk. Practice consistently, track performance, and evolve your approach over time.